Iron Rod Press Newsletter Vol. 2, No. 4 What's for Dinner? January 27, 2026 - As a young mother, this was the one question that would drive me insane. Was this my life's lot - to figure out what to make for dinner for the next several decades? But as a lover of all things family history related, being able to eat food from the countries of my ancestors brings a whole new meaning to this question. When I visited Scotland for the first time, I was determined to try haggis and blood pudding,...
9 days ago • 1 min read
Iron Rod Press Newsletter Vol. 2, No. 8 With Uplifted Hands February 24, 2026 - Religious beliefs are deeply personal. We can agree with someone on the existence of God, but how we perceive, follow, or define this Supreme Being can vary greatly from person to person. Yet even in these differences, we can find connection. And isn't that what the world needs right now? In a similar way, being able to walk down the church aisles your ancestors walked can be an empowering experience, even if...
14 days ago • 2 min read
Iron Rod Press Newsletter Vol. 2, No. 3 Occupations: Punching the Clock January 20, 2026 - Since we talking about family, how about sending this link to a sibling, cousin, or other relative to join us on this journey? The more the merrier! https://iron-rod-press.kit.com/profile I'm old enough to remember the days of using a time clock to record my work hours; taking my time card, slipping it into the machine, and "punching" it! Wow! Just writing that sentence makes me feel even old! Like us,...
16 days ago • 1 min read
Iron Rod Press Newsletter Vol. 2, No. 2 Taking Their First Breath January 13, 2026 - Where were your ancestors born? And I'm not just talking about the country, state, or even city. Do you know exactly where they took their first breath? I had known most of my life that my mother was born at the mouth of some canyon in Utah County. But I never really looked into which county. That was until last year when I realized that all my trips to the Timpanogos Cave Trail up American Fork canyon were...
23 days ago • 1 min read
Iron Rod Press Newsletter Vol. 2, No. 1 Welcome to Walking in Their Footsteps January 6, 2026 - Welcome to 2026 and our new series "Walking in Their Footsteps." The first question you probably have is, "Whose footsteps?" Fair question. The footsteps we are going to look for, follow, and learn from, are those of our ancestors. Since we are who we are because of them, why not get better acquainted! So, here's a few characteristics that might be helpful as we take this journey. Are you a...
30 days ago • 1 min read
Iron Rod Press Newsletter Vol. 1, No. 27 Celebrate 2025 December 30, 2025 - You made it to the end of another year! "Wild bells" (or fireworks and shouts of "Happy New Year!" at midnight) will ring out tomorrow. How do you feel as you look back over the past 365 days? While children in my congregation sing "One year older and wiser, too" to celebrate a birthday, sometimes we may feel "Dumb and Dumber" for mistakes, misunderstandings, or missteps that occurred in 2025. As we celebrate the...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Iron Rod Press Newsletter Vol. 1, No. 26 Celebrate Your Own Re-birth in Christ December 23, 2025 - As you look to the manger in your nativity set, what emotions do you feel? Perhaps you recall the birth of a child or niece or nephew and the miracle of every tiny toe or eyelash. Or you are reminded of your own childhood and the innocence which seems so far in the past. But what if those memories bring sadness or regret intermingled with that joy? Whatever feelings may be in your heart, you can...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Iron Rod Press Newsletter Vol. 1, No. 25 Celebrate the Fun December 16, 2025 - While focusing on Jesus Christ during the Christmas season ought to be a priority, that doesn't mean we can't enjoy other aspects of this time of year along the way. I am old enough to remember that Christmas decorations, ornaments, and traditions were pretty standard from house to house where I grew up. My, how things have changed! And I don't think that's a bad thing. For anyone who remembers stepping gingerly...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Iron Rod Press Newsletter Vol. 1, No. 24 Celebrate Christ in a Big Way December 9, 2025 - It's no secret that the Christmas season can be hectic, overloaded with activities, and overwhelming. Why is that? I believe the chaos comes when we direct our focus on what matters less instead of focusing on what, or rather Who, matters most. So this year, why not make Christ the central focus of every holiday celebration? Does that mean that Santa and jingle bells have no place? That's for you to...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read